My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 185: The Strength of Words

Chapter 185: The Strength of Words

Desmond sat at the head of the long dining table with Leonor on the right side of the table and Gerard on the left. When the duke and duchess were seated, the food started appearing and cuts of meat, potatoes, and vegetables were placed on the table for everyone to share.

Considering there weren’t maids and the ones they brought with them were resting at the end of the table and eating amongst the group, everyone was able to take as they pleased and serve themselves.

Leonor was most interested in ham and sweet rolls. Standing outside with Desmond and Gerard had chilled her to her core.

As Leonor ate, she noticed the high spirits the men were in having finally been properly fed something that wasn’t part of their supplies. It helped that the alcohol was being passed around.

She had a feeling Desmond provided sweet alcohol considering it was the only one she knew she would enjoy drinking. She would have to thank him later on for his thoughtfulness. At her first sip of the ale offered to her, she tried not to make a face at the hoppy flavor of the drink and was thankful when Desmond finished it for her so she could stick with cider.

Another observation made by the duchess was the three spots empty next to Gerard. She didn’t want to ask something that might add tenseness to the environment so she decided to wait and see the outcome of the evening.

As she got into conversation with Beth who sat next to her regarding their travels so far, one young man and two teenagers walked through the door of the dining hall.

They wore work clothes that were covered in soot. It seemed that their faces had been toweled off with a washcloth to try to be polite.

Leonor wasn’t offended. Rather, she saw three people who were hard workers and were instantly curious.

Her conversation with Beth paused as the three came down the table and stood behind the seats next to Gerard.

"Your graces, my sons," Gerard explained, gesturing to his boys. "You will have to forgive their appearance. They spend most of their time learning the ropes of the mines."

All three of them bowed for the ducal couple and Leonor smiled pleasantly. She spoke first.

"It’s wonderful to meet you," she said. "I would never get offended at evidence of someone’s hard work."

The boys gave their thanks and sat down next to their father.

The youngest raised his hand and asked for ale.

Gerard turned his body towards them.

"No," he gestured to the youngest. "No," he pointed to the middle son. "Yes," he pointed to his eldest who was likely only a couple of years younger than Leonor.

Leonor and Beth both giggled at this.

The younger two were given watered-down ale that wouldn’t touch them in terms of getting them intoxicated. The eldest was given full ale like his father and the youngest seemed jealous.

"What’s with the change of heart, father?" the teenager asked.

Gerard’s eyebrows raised.

"You’re not in the comfort of your own home but in the presence of their graces," Gerard said. "You’ve inherited my loud mouth."

Leonor couldn’t help listening in. She made sure to plaster a light smile on her face rather than a frown. It stirred up thoughts of having children of her own and it made her heart ache only a small amount.

It was getting easier to accept the reality of her lack of children upon Desmond’s request. She wondered if it would ever stop stinging completely.

However, her gaze must have been noticed because, as she expected, an overly personal question was sent in her direction.

"When will we be blessed with an heir for Montclair?" Gerard asked.

Leonor knew his intentions weren’t bad but her smile became wry. She hoped that no one noticed and she impolitely kept the chalice of cider close to her lips.

"In due time," she responded gently, though loud enough to meet his ears.

"Don’t worry, you’re both quite young," Gerard said. "We didn’t have this one until nearly five years into our marriage."

He affectionately placed a hand on his eldest son’s shoulder and Leonor’s smile became somewhat more authentic and warm.

Luckily, she seemed to have avoided further questions because the conversation went away from her.

Making sure she wouldn’t be a burden to Desmond later on, she only had one glass of ale throughout the entire meal.

The conversation remained lighthearted and everyone was sent to their respective rooms when the meals were over and many expressed exhaustion.

As expected, Leonor and Desmond were given the largest room in the inn. It was decorated with a fine rug in front of a fireplace that stretched to the bed. There were a couple of comfortable armchairs and a couch in front of the stone fireplace as well. The bed was sizable and the sheets were clean.

Already, their trunks of clothing were placed along the wall and out of the way. Since Desmond walked Leonor to the room but opted to return to the dining hall for a bit longer to discuss how the following day would pan out, she requested a bath. Knowing a guard was standing watch outside, there wouldn’t be anyone to walk in on her in such a natural state.

When the large basin was placed in her room, she undressed and sat down in the warm water. A push cart had been brought in with various soaps and oils.

Despite the inn not being large, it was well-stocked with luxuries that boasted the wealth of the township.

Leonor enjoyed herself thoroughly as she smelled each oil and soap before deciding on a combination that suited her best.

Her hair had been gathered on top of her hair since she couldn’t bother washing it. They sat in a carriage and out of the dust so she didn’t feel the need.

Once she was thoroughly washed, she placed the warm washcloth around her neck and settled into the side of the basin.

Without meaning to, the warmth almost lulled Leonor to sleep and her head leaned against the side of the tub. It was only when Desmond came into the room and crouched next to her that she even realized she was dozing off.

Even though it got his sleeves wet, he took his wife out of the water and wrapped her in a towel on his lap so he could dry her off. He muttered about how it wasn’t safe for her to fall asleep in water and how cold it was getting.

When she was helped into a nightgown, she noticed Desmond linger at the bedside. He looked at her face intently even when she was tucked into the covers and he brushed his fingers over her hair.

Finally gaining the courage to speak what was in his heart, he said, "Are you disappointed in my decision to never burden you with a child?"